"The Reason," a new short film by director Noah Conopask, captures the texture of vintage motorcycle racing; from the exhilaration of the speedway to the enduring style of the machines, to the passionate riders who love them. Commissioned by REV’IT! maker of purpose-built riding products, "The Reason" takes viewers on a memorable ride that embodies the Zen, artfulness, and human connection found within this passionate community.
“Racing and riding is not all about chaos. There is a harmony to it. Happiness. Warmth. Optimism. I hope when people watch this film it gives a little escape from the heaviness of the world. We all need more of that right now,” explains Conopask. “Riding a motorcycle is a huge part of my life. It’s a thing that gives me creative inspiration, meditation and comradery. It connects me to a community I love.”
Conopask, who is known for directing thrilling experience-driven films, was originally hired by REV’IT! to capture the Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival in a series of still photographs. This collaboration soon evolved into the genesis of the short film, with Conopask simultaneously capturing the experience on 8mm as well.
Seeking to authentically connect audiences to what riding feels like and ’the reason' why this lifestyle is captivating to so many, Conopask employed a stream-of-consciousness aesthetic. He teamed with Whitehouse editor Joe Carugati and the two combined thoughts from the riders, snippets of sounds, and Conopask’s gritty super 8mm footage into an expressionistic "memory film” that communicates the mindset of the vintage motorcycle lifestyle all set to the popular Misso track “Esperanza en la Oscuridad.”
Conopask discovered that while he enjoys working on big productions, he appreciated the intimacy of the streamlined docu-production process of “The Reason,” a process that took him back to his roots in photography. “It’s always nice to have certain tools on set that allow you to get dynamic shots that would otherwise be impossible. But the inherent limitations of a skeleton crew force you to think differently. Working with boundaries forces you to create with the tools you have at hand. I found the “limitations” to be extremely liberating. Just like riding."
